Apparatus for restoring damaged paper rolls

ABSTRACT

An apparatus is provided for salvaging large paper rolls having a tubular core at the axis thereof, which rolls have been damaged through accidental mishandling and which have thereby become distorted with the central core flattened to such an extent that a suitable roll mounting and supporting mandrel with tapered spools cannot be inserted therein, said apparatus comprising in combination a pair of retracting members each having a core engaging member affixed to one end thereof and means at the other end thereof adapted to be engaged by the arms of a hydraulically operated lift truck designed for handling large paper rolls. The force applied to the retracting members by the clamping members of the lift truck causes the core engaging members to straighten the core substantially into its original circular form.

United States Patent 1 McNatt [4 1 Aug. 7, 1973 APPARATUS FOR RESTORING DAMAGED PAPER ROLLS [76] Inventor: Newman W. McNatt, 226 Paulsen Ave., Battle Creek, Mich. 49017 22 Filed: o.14, 1971 21 App]. No.: 189,221

Primary Examiner-Othell M. Simpson Assistant ExaminerRobert C. Watson Attorney-Roy A. Plant and Samuel Kurlandsky [57] ABSTRACT An apparatus is provided for salvaging large paper rolls having a tubular core at the axis thereof, which rolls have been damaged through accidental mishandling and which have thereby become distorted with the central core flattened to such an extent that a suitable roll mounting and supporting mandrel with tapered spools cannot be inserted therein, said apparatus comprising in combination a pair of retracting members each having a core engaging member affixed to one end thereof and means at the other end thereof adapted to be engaged by the arms of a hydraulically operated lift truck designed for handling large paper rolls. The force applied to the retracting members by the clamping members of the lift truck causes the core engaging members to straighten the core substantially into its original circular form.

10 Claims, 10 Drawing; Figures I APPARATUS FOR RESTORING DAMAGED PAPER ROLLS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an apparatus and method for salvaging, reconditioning or rehabilitating large rolls of paper which, during handling, shipping and storing are accidentally dropped or otherwise damaged, and more particularly refers to an apparatus of the type described which may be powered by readily available power equipment.

Paper used for newspaper printing, magazine printing, carton manufacture, et cetera, is commonly manufactured and sold in large rolls having a tubular cardboard core of circular cross-section, and of a diameter of about one foot or more. To utilize the rolls of paper, the operator places a wooden spool firmly into the axial channel at each end of the roll core, and then places a rod or mandrel through each spool to support same while the paper or carton stock is unrolled. Occasionally the large rolls of paper are damaged in transport or as a result of being accidentally dropped from the truck at the end of the transportation to the place of use. When this happens, the roll and its axial core become flattened and the core can no longer accept the wooden spools in the flattened condition. In the past, such damaged rolls could be salvaged if the damage was not great. However, where a substantial degree of distortion had taken place, it was necessary to return the roll of paper to the paper company for recycling, where it was returned to the paper vat and converted to paper pulp for reprocessing. Since prior art devices for restoring such damaged rolls of paper have not been entirely satisfactory, paper processors have often been subjected to the great expense of returning large paper rolls for recycling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for salvaging damaged rolls of paper which can efficiently restore such damaged rolls so that they can be mounted on a mandrel carrying suitable size spools and without the need for completely reprocessing the paper. It is an additional object to provide an apparatus of the type described which is portable and can be handled by a single operator.

It is a still further object to provide an apparatus for restoring damaged and distorted rolls of paper which can be powered with equipment generally used in paper handling.

It is still an additional object to provide an apparatus of the type described which is relatively inexpensive and relatively simple to fabricate.

Still further objects and advantages of the invention will appear as the description proceeds.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention, then, consists of the useful apparatus herein fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the annexed drawings and the following description setting forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the paper roll salvaging invention, such disclosed embodiments illustrating, however, but several of the various ways in which the principle of the invention may be used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the annexed drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view fragmentarily showing a lift truck conventionally used for handling large rolls of paper, and having associated therewith the paper roll salvaging apparatus of the present invention in one em bodiment.

FIG. 2 is an end view of a distorted, crushed or flattened roll of paper.

FIG. 3 is an end view of a roll of paper after it has been substantially restored to its original shape by means of the apparatus of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view ofa roll salvager member of the invention in one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken at the line 55 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the roll salvaging invention.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the: apparatus shown in FIG. 6 with certain parts omitted :for clarity of illustration.

FIG. 8 is an end view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a view partially in cross-section illustrating the apparatus of FIGS. 6-8 utilized in combination with a hand-operated hydraulic jack; and 7 FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of still another embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS Referring more particularly to FIGS. 1-5, the paper roll salvager 10 of the invention is shown. FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional lift truck 11 utilized for lifting and turning over large paper rolls, comprising a chassis l2, and a mounting plate 13 supported on chains and adapted to be raised, lowered and rotated. Hingedly mounted on the mounting plate 13 are a major arm 14 and a minor arm 15. An arcuate roll engaging plate 16 is pivotally connected to the major arm 14, and an arcuate roll engaging plate 17 is pivotally connected to the minor arm 15. The roll engaging plates 16 and 17 are adapted to grasp a roll of paper and raise it and rotate it to any desired position.

As shown particularly in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, the paper roll salvager 10 comprises a pair of elongate retracting members 18 and 19, having arcuate core engaging plates 20 and 21 at one end supported by gussets 24 and 25, and V-shaped vertical actuator engaging plates 22 and 23 at the other end. A crushed paper roll 26 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 having an axial channel 27 defined within a tubular core 28 serving as a hub upon which the paper is wound. The paper roll 26 is shown in elliptical or somewhat flattened cross-section, resulting from having been damaged by falling or by having been crushed by a falling roll of paper. When the paper roll is in this condition, the hubs and mandrels which are conventionally inserted into the axial channel 27 for mounting cannot be inserted therein, and it is consequentlynecessary to restore the original undamaged form of the core 28 and axial channel 27 before it can be mounted for use. FIG. 3 illustrates a roll of paper 26' having an axial channel 27' and a tubular core 28', after it has been reconditioned and restored to substantially its original shape by the use of the present equipment.

FIGS. 6-9 illustrate another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment the salvager 35 has a channel-shaped frame 36. The frame 36 is provided with L- shaped flanges forming guides 37 and 38. Slidably mounted on the frame 36 and retained by the guides 37 and 38 are retracting members 39 and 40. The retracting members 39 and 40 have arcuate axial channel engaging plates 41 and 42 affixed at one end, with upper extensions 43 and 44 extending above the plates 39 and 40. Several limiting annular members or rings 45 are provided for different size cores. A slot 48 is provided in frame 36 to permit a sufficient degree of travel for the arcuate plates 41 and 42, said slot having arcuate ends 49 and 50 to act as a limit for the largest size core wherein a ring 45 is not used. Inverted V-engaging plates 46 and 47 are affixed to the retracting members 39 and 40 at their outer ends.

FIG. 9 illustrates a hand-operated hydraulic jack 55 adapted to be used in place of the lift truck for operating the salvager illustrated in FIGS. 6-8. The hydraulic jack 55 comprises a hydraulic cylinder 56 containing a piston therein (not shown), a shaft 57 affixed at one end to the piston and at the other end a rotatable end plate 58 engaging the plate 47. The hydraulic jack additionally comprises a pump 59, an operating lever 60 pivotally affixed to the cylinder 56 by means of a pivot mount 61, and pivotally affixed at an intermediate position to a pivot arm 62 which itself is pivotally affixed to a pump shaft 63. A handle 64 is affixed to the other end of the operating lever 60.

FIG. illustrates another embodiment of the invention which is designed to be operated by a compressing force of the lift truck arms instead of a retracting one. The paper roll salvager 66 shown comprises elongate extension members 67 and 68, the extension member 67 having U-shaped guides 69 and 70 affixed thereto and having the extension member 68 slidably mounted within the openings of the guides. A support 71 is affixed at one end to the extension member 68 by means ofa top plate 72 and is slidably mounted in a slot 73 to permit longitudinal motion of the support 71 with respect to the extension member 68. An arcuate plate 74 is affixed to the support 71. A support 75 is affixed to the extension member 67 and is provided with an arcuate plate 76. A vertical engaging plate 77 is affixed to the extension member 67 by means of a triangular support 78, and a vertical engaging plate 79 is supported on the extension member 68 by means of a triangular support 80.

The apparatus of the invention is placed in operation by first placing the crushed roll of paper on its end with its axis vertically oriented, as shown in FIG. 1. The shape of the crushed roll will be similar to that shown in FIG. 2, with the central core 28 either elongated or even flattened almost shut. The apparatus is placed on top of the roll, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, with the arcuate channel engaging plates 20 and 21 extending into the axial channel of the core 28, as shown particularly in FIG. 5. The lift truck 12 is then manipulated by the operator until the arms 14 and lower in place until they engage the retraction members 18 and 19, and within the V-shaped vertical engaging plates 24 and 25. Power is then applied to the arms 14 and 15 causing them to spread apart, the arcuate plates and 21 engaging the sides of the core 28 and spreading them apart. If the core 28 has not been badly damaged or distorted, it is generally possible to insert arcuate plates having substantially the same curvature as that of the core in normal undistorted condition. However, if the core 28 has been badly distorted, it may be necessary to initiate the operation with arcuate plates of less curvature so that they can flt into the flattened core. After the core has been spread to the desired degree, arcuate plates may be inserted of greater curvature or of curvature equal to that of the undistorted core. The arcuate plates may also have a conical or frusto-conical or tapered shape vertically so that they present a narrower contour to fit into the axial channel of the flattened core. As the flattened walls of the core are gradually spread apart, the arcuate plates can be inserted to a deeper and deeper degree until finally the upper portion of the plates are attained having a curvature similar to that of the undamaged core. After the original shape of the core has been restored, wood hubs of proper size and shape may be inserted into the axial channel of the core to permit the core to retain its restored shape.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-9 can be utilized in the same manner. The primary difference is that the various members of the apparatus are assembled within the frame 36 and may be handled as a single unit. The structure also has the feature wherein the limiting ring 45 operates in conjunction with the extensions 43 and 44 to limit the amount of separation between the arcuate plates 41 and 42. This limits the lateral movement of the arcuate plates 41 and 42 and assures that the restored core will have a circular cross-section.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the hydraulic jack 55 is utilized as a substitute for the arms of the lift truck, thereby permitting more portable operation. However, the operation of the restoring apparatus itself is identical with that described above.

The restoring apparatus illustrated in FIG. 10 is used in a manner similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-5, or 6-9. The apparatus is placed over the roll with the arcuate plates 74 and 76 extending into the axial channel of the paper core. Because of the structure and relationship of the plates, the arms 14 and 15 of the lift truck are placed outside the vertical plates 77 and 79. To operate the apparatus, the arms 14 and 15' are drawn together, thereby causing the arcuate plates 74 and 76 to draw apart, thereby restoring the shape of the core to its original condition, as shown in FIG. 3.

The restoring apparatus of the present invention has many advantages over apparatus used in the prior art. First, it is light to handle, simple in construction, and may be powered with existing equipment generally found in the paper-handling room. The apparatus is inexpensive to build and can result in a large saving by salvaging damaged rolls of paper which in some cases had to be reprocessed previously. Restoration may be accomplished with great accuracy and precision.

While but several forms of the invention have been shown and described, other forms within the spirit and scope of the invention will now be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, in the embodiments shown the core engaging plates 20 and 21, 41 and 42, and 74 and 76 are shown as being permanently affixed to their respective retracting members. However, if desired, the engaging plates may be advantageously designed to be detachably mounted on the retracting members by such means as bolts, engaging tongue and socket joints, or other means known in the art. By this expediency it is possible to utilize retracting plates of various curvatures, starting with even a flat plate, and gradually adding plates of increasing curvature until the paper roll is restored to original configuration. Additionally the two cooperating engaging plates may be shaped differently from each other, one having a smaller width or smaller curvature than the other, so that one plate may nest within the other in order to permit the plates to extend into a very narrow flattened core channel. Therefore, the embodiments shown in the drawings are to be considered as merely setting forth preferred forms of the paper roll restoring operation for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention herein described, shown and claimed.

Other modes of applying the principles of my invention may be employed, instead of those explained, change being made as regards the apparatus herein disclosed, provided the structures defined by any of the following claims or the equivalent of such stated structures be employed.

I therefore particularly point out and distinctly claim as my invention:

1. A paper roll salvager for restoring to completely usable condition a damaged or crushed roll of paper, the axial core of which has become flattened, and adapted to be utilized with an external power source, said salvager comprising a pair of elongate members each having at one end an enaging arm having an arcuate surface and extending in a direction substantially transverse to said elongate member and adapted to extend into said flat axial core, and at the other end means extending in a direction substantially transverse to said elongate member and opposite to that of said engaging arm for engaging the arms of an external power apparatus, said engaging arm and said means for engaging the arm of an external power apparatus being spaced apart a substantial distance in the longitudinal direction of said elongate member.

2. A paper roll salvager according to claim 1, wherein the curvature of said arcuate surface is substantially the same as that of the axial core of an undamaged roll.

3. A paper roll salvager according to claim 1, wherein said means for engaging the arms of an external power apparatus are vertically upward directed arms adapted to be engaged by the forwardly extending and sidewise movable arms of a paper roll-handling lift truck,

4. A paper roll salvager for restoring a damaged or crushed roll of paper having an axial core which has become flattened into unusable condition, comprising a flat elongate bed having lateral guides, a pair of elongate members slidably retained within said guides, each elongate member having at one end a core-engaging arm adapted to extend into said flattened axial core, and at the other end means for engaging the arm of an external power apparatus, said bed being provided with slots through which said core-engaging arms extend and along which they are free to travel,

5. A paper roll salvager according to claim d, wherein the engaging arms which are adapted to extend into said flattened axial core are each provided with an arcuate core-engaging surface.

6. A paper roll salvager according to claim 5, wherein the curvature of said arcuate surface is substantially the same as that of the axial core of an undamaged roll.

7. A paper roll salvager according to claim t, wherein said means for engaging the arms of an external power apparatus are vertically upward directed arms adapted to be engaged by the forwardly extending and sidewise movable arms of a paper roll handling lift truck.

8. A paper roll salvager according to claim 1, wherein said core-engaging arms have extensions above said elongate members, and an annular limit member mounted over said extensions for engaging and limiting further motion of said extensions when said core has been distended to the degree that it acquires a substantially circular cross-section.

9. A paper roll salvager according to claim 4i, wherein said lateral guides comprise upwardly and inwardly di rected flanges of said elongate bed.

10. A paper roll salvager for restoring damaged or crushed rolls of paper having axial cores which have become flattened into unusable condition, comprising Y a pair of overlapping elongate members and guide means retaining said elongate members slidably with respect to each other, each elongate member having at one end a core-engaging arm adapted to extend into said flattened axial core, and at the other end means for engaging the arm of an external power apparatus, the lower of said elongate members havingan elongate slot provided therein and the core-engaging member of said upper elongate member slidably extending through said slot, whereby when said core-engaging arms are posh tioned in the axial channel of a flattened paper core and the arms of said external power apparatus are pushed together against the ends of said elongate members, the walls of said axial core are spread apart until they assume a substantially circular cross-section l l= l= =l= 

1. A paper roll salvager for restoring to completely usable condition a damaged or crushed roll of paper, the axial core of which has become flattened, and adapted to be utilized with an external power source, said salvager comprising a pair of elongate mEmbers each having at one end an enaging arm having an arcuate surface and extending in a direction substantially transverse to said elongate member and adapted to extend into said flat axial core, and at the other end means extending in a direction substantially transverse to said elongate member and opposite to that of said engaging arm for engaging the arms of an external power apparatus, said engaging arm and said means for engaging the arm of an external power apparatus being spaced apart a substantial distance in the longitudinal direction of said elongate member.
 2. A paper roll salvager according to claim 1, wherein the curvature of said arcuate surface is substantially the same as that of the axial core of an undamaged roll.
 3. A paper roll salvager according to claim 1, wherein said means for engaging the arms of an external power apparatus are vertically upward directed arms adapted to be engaged by the forwardly extending and sidewise movable arms of a paper roll-handling lift truck.
 4. A paper roll salvager for restoring a damaged or crushed roll of paper having an axial core which has become flattened into unusable condition, comprising a flat elongate bed having lateral guides, a pair of elongate members slidably retained within said guides, each elongate member having at one end a core-engaging arm adapted to extend into said flattened axial core, and at the other end means for engaging the arm of an external power apparatus, said bed being provided with slots through which said core-engaging arms extend and along which they are free to travel.
 5. A paper roll salvager according to claim 4, wherein the engaging arms which are adapted to extend into said flattened axial core are each provided with an arcuate core-engaging surface.
 6. A paper roll salvager according to claim 5, wherein the curvature of said arcuate surface is substantially the same as that of the axial core of an undamaged roll.
 7. A paper roll salvager according to claim 4, wherein said means for engaging the arms of an external power apparatus are vertically upward directed arms adapted to be engaged by the forwardly extending and sidewise movable arms of a paper roll handling lift truck.
 8. A paper roll salvager according to claim 4, wherein said core-engaging arms have extensions above said elongate members, and an annular limit member mounted over said extensions for engaging and limiting further motion of said extensions when said core has been distended to the degree that it acquires a substantially circular cross-section.
 9. A paper roll salvager according to claim 4, wherein said lateral guides comprise upwardly and inwardly directed flanges of said elongate bed.
 10. A paper roll salvager for restoring damaged or crushed rolls of paper having axial cores which have become flattened into unusable condition, comprising a pair of overlapping elongate members and guide means retaining said elongate members slidably with respect to each other, each elongate member having at one end a core-engaging arm adapted to extend into said flattened axial core, and at the other end means for engaging the arm of an external power apparatus, the lower of said elongate members having an elongate slot provided therein and the core-engaging member of said upper elongate member slidably extending through said slot, whereby when said core-engaging arms are positioned in the axial channel of a flattened paper core and the arms of said external power apparatus are pushed together against the ends of said elongate members, the walls of said axial core are spread apart until they assume a substantially circular cross-section. 